Buying or Selling Raiders' Top Training Camp Performances

For the Las Vegas Raiders, training camp has already arrived.

While the majority of NFL teams won't kick off camp until July 26, the Raiders got an early start with veterans reporting on July 20—they'll kick off the preseason on August 4 in the Hall of Fame Game.

Las Vegas is still in the early stages, of course, but that doesn't mean important information cannot be gleaned from the initial days of camp.

Here, we'll dive into some of the latest buzz and top early performances. We'll examine which players have stood out, what it could mean as the preseason approaches and whether we believe these are accurate signs of positive things to come in 2022.

Let's get to it.

WR Mack Hollins

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

HENDERSON, NEVADA - JULY 21: Wide receiver Mack Hollins #10 of the Las Vegas Raiders practices during training camp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on July 21, 2022 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The highlight of the Raiders' offseason thus far was the trade to acquire star receiver Davante Adams. Arguably the top wideout in the game, he will reunite with his college teammate and quarterback, Derek Carr.

A far less attention-grabbing acquisition was that of former Miami Dolphins receiver Mack Hollins, but he has been one of the stars of early Raiders camp.

"He comes out there every day, and he puts in the work," Running back Josh Jacobs said, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic. "And I’m excited to see about him. He’s smart, too. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy pick up an offense so fast, honestly."

Don't be surprised if Hollins' hard work and high football IQ translate to the regular season. He's a big (6'4"), fast and physical receiver who didn't get a lot of run in Miami but did flash his big-play ability.

In 2021, the 28-year-old averaged 15.9 yards per reception.

Hollins will compete for playing time with the likes of Keelan Cole and Demarcus Robinson in camp. If he continues to be a top performer, though, he could end up starting alongside Adams and slot star Hunter Renfrow when the season opens.

Verdict: Buy

S Duron Harmon

Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - JANUARY 02: Duron Harmon #21 of the Atlanta Falcons on the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 2, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)

Like Holins, safety Duron Harmon was a free-agent addition this offseason. He spent last year with the Atlanta Falcons but is quite familiar with head coach Josh McDaniel and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham from his seven years with the New England Patriots.

Harmon's experience and schematic knowledge have allowed him to stand out in camp.

"Former Patriots safety Duron Harmon has been one of the stars of camp, and more for his leadership skills than play (though Saturday marked the first day he started to eat into Johnathan Abram’s snaps with the first team)," Tafur wrote.

Could Harmon really steal a starting job away from former first-rounder Abram, who didn't have his fifth-year option exercised? It's possible, but we're not buying it yet.

The Rutgers product is a versatile safety who can fill a variety of roles in the secondary, and he shouldn't be in danger of getting cut. However, he's not a top-end coverage safety, which is precisely why he's now on his fourth team in four years.

In 2021, Harmon allowed an opposing passer rating of 99.3, according to Pro Football Reference.

Abram—who allowed an opposing passer rating of 112.0 last season—may cede some situational snaps to Harmon in the regular season. However, he's younger and still has more upside than the 31-year-old.

Expect Harmon to be a fine complementary player but not a star once the regular season arrives.

Verdict: Sell

OT Alex Leatherwood

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 26: Offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Las Vegas Raiders blocks outside linebacker Brennan Scarlett #57 of the Miami Dolphins during their game at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Alex Leatherwood was one of Las Vegas' biggest disappointments last season. The Raiders moved him from tackle to guard after four games—guard Denzelle Good suffered a torn ACL in Week 1—and the results were not flattering.

According to Pro Football Focus, Leatherwood was responsible for 14 penalties and eight sacks allowed.

This season, the 2021 first-round pick should be back at right tackle, and he's shown impressive strides in early camp.

"He's been moved around a few places on the offensive line, as the coaching staff tests each players' versatility. Nevertheless, Leatherwood has shown fluidity and improvement in his footwork from last year," Levi Edwards of the team's official site wrote.

The 23-year-old should show improvement in the regular season. He's entering Year 2 and now has a better understanding of what it takes to succeed. Being back at his natural position of tackle, which assumes Good is back to 100 percent, should also help tremendously.

While plenty of folks questioned Leatherwood's selection in Round 1, he was an Outland Trophy-winner for college powerhouse Alabama. The potential for greatness has always been there. Expect him to capitalize on it in his second season.

Verdict: Buy